The 2024 version of La Natividad is an explosive force—a team that oscillates between two extremes. At its best, it shines brightly enough to outclass any opponent. At its worst, it reveals a shadowy vulnerability that leaves it exposed. In the decisive Zone A match against La Hache, La Natividad managed to sustain its brilliance for longer than it had in previous games at Palermo. Though still far from its peak form, the performance was enough to overcome a strong rival and secure a spot in the final of the Campeonato Argentino Abierto de Polo for the fourth consecutive year.
A series of stunning goals from Camilo “Jeta” Castagnola, combined with moments of cohesive team play, propelled La Natividad to a hard-fought 12-9 victory. This win positions them to pursue their third Palermo championship title in history—and their second consecutive. On Sunday, on the iconic Field 1 of the Campo Argentino de Polo, they will face the winner of Wednesday’s La Dolfina vs. Ellerstina match, the final clash of Group B.
The match against La Hache began as a gritty, physical battle. La Hache successfully imposed their style of play early on, managing to gain a slight advantage. However, La Natividad gradually untangled itself, guided by the leadership of Pablo Mac Donough and the scoring prowess of Jeta Castagnola, the youngest of the Castagnola brothers. The resilience of Hilario Ulloa’s team—fresh off their championship win at Tortugas—brought tension to the penultimate chukker, thrilling the crowd. While large for a Tuesday, the audience was modest for a semifinal of this magnitude. Ultimately, a controversial ending allowed the defending champions to maintain their lead.
The turning point came late in the seventh chukker when Jeta Castagnola delivered a spectacular goal. With La Hache closing the gap to just one goal (11-9) and time running out, Jeta unleashed a powerful backhand shot from just past midfield. Positioned near Stand A, he drove the ball straight through the uprights on Libertador Avenue as the second bell sounded, sealing the moment with authority.
This decisive goal gave La Natividad breathing room heading into the final chukker, deflating La Hache’s momentum. Despite scoring three goals in the seventh period—half their total for the entire game—La Hache couldn’t close the gap.
“When the match was tight, I still felt good. We just needed to keep playing the same way. Later, the game opened up, and Jeta scored some incredible goals,” Bartolomé Castagnola Jr., the elder Castagnola brother said. “It was one of our best performances.”
Bartolomé’s assessment wasn’t wrong. This was La Natividad’s most complete showing in this year’s tournament and arguably their best performance of the season. Yet their flashes of brilliance remain inconsistent, relying more on individual talent than collective synergy. Compared to last year’s squad—valued at a perfect 40-goal handicap—this team still has significant room for improvement. That said, the key difference in this match was the more frequent appearance of those shining moments, enough to secure victory.
La Hache, trailing by two goals, entered the final chukker with their characteristic fighting spirit—the same determination that had allowed them to dominate the opening stages of the match. However, key opportunities slipped through their fingers. An early foul, expected to result in a penalty in their favor, went the other way. Controversial non-calls from the referees on both sides frustrated the crowd. Tomás Panelo, whose sporadic brilliance was evident, missed a critical goal and vented his frustration by striking the scoreboard and the goalposts with his mallet.
“They stopped us in three counterattacks when we had control of the ball,” lamented Hilario Ulloa in an interview with La Nación. “But it’s also on us. We didn’t capitalize on the moments when we dominated. It’s frustrating because we had a great season and wanted to be in the Palermo final.” The captain also hinted at potential changes to the team’s lineup for 2025.
Indeed, La Hache controlled the early stages of the game but struggled to convert their opportunities. The first chukker ended scoreless, and both teams managed only one goal each in the second. By the fourth chukker, La Hache had a 4-2 lead. However, Mac Donough then took control of the ball, opening up the game for La Natividad. Jeta Castagnola added his finishing touch, scoring a total of seven goals. When he lit up, La Natividad became unstoppable.
Match Summary: La Natividad 12 – La Hache 9
La Natividad: Camilo Castagnola (10), Facundo Pieres (10), Pablo Mac Donough (10), Bartolomé Castagnola Jr. (10). Total: 40 goals.
La Hache: Pablo Pieres (9), Hilario Ulloa (9), Francisco Elizalde (9), Tomás Panelo (9). Total: 36 goals.
Scoring Progression: 0-0, 1-1, 2-3, 5-4, 7-5, 9-6, 11-9, 12-9.
Goal Scorers:
• La Natividad: C. Castagnola (7), F. Pieres (3, including 1 penalty), P. Mac Donough (2).
• La Hache: P. Pieres (4), F. Elizalde (2), T. Panelo (3, including 2 penalties).
Referees: Guillermo Villanueva Jr. and Gonzalo López Vargas. Umpire: Martín Pascual.
Field: No. 1, Palermo.